The runway comes alive as these brands and innovative Filipino designers unveil their latest releases, merging culture, comfort, and cutting-edge fashion sensibilities
As Bench Fashion Week entered its second day, the spotlight shone on innovative designs that redefined the fashion landscape. The runway became a playground of creativity, where art, tradition, and style converged in a riveting display. Here’s a glimpse of the fashion showcase that unfolded during the event.
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MLB
To kickstart the show, the runway was set ablaze by MLB, a premium South Korean lifestyle brand. Their showcase was a harmonious fusion of the field of sports and fashion, paying homage to the rich tapestry of Major League Baseball’s heritage.
The runway unfurled a wide spectrum of casual pieces, including sweaters, eye-catching tees, sleek caps, and statement bags. The collection ensured there was something for everyone, whether you lean towards bold, vibrant styles or yearn to infuse a dash of whimsy into your wardrobe.
American Eagle Outfitters
American Eagle Outfitters transformed the runway into a fun party scene that radiated pure excitement. Models exuded boundless joy as they gracefully strutted to the beat of lively music, adorned in the finest creations from this global fashion titan.
From blooming floral print polos to vibrant solid shirts, carefree flowing dresses, and laid-back yet tasteful tops, the presentation conveyed an essential truth: achieving a casual look doesn’t necessitate a compromise on style.
Secret Fresh
In a moment that ignited a series of applause from the captivated crowd, Secret Fresh unveiled an exciting collaboration with the undisputed king of exclusive sneakers and streetwear collections, Bigboy Cheng.
This partnership, called Chapter 3, painted the runway with a vivid palette, gracing shirts, jackets, and sweatpants accessorized with striking caps and sunglasses. Beyond fashion, Secret Fresh explained that their vision is to send a powerful call for unity that transcends age, gender, and background for they ardently believe that within their creations, every soul will discover a resonating message.
Renz Reyes
Stepping onto the stage of Bench Fashion Week’s second day, Filipino designer Renz Reyes emerged as a dazzling star in the style constellation. Swiftly etching his name into the fashion ranks, Reyes has already showcased his creative genius at prestigious events, including the Amazon Tokyo Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2019.
Celebrated for his signature style of blending playful femininity with a touch of artisanal sophistication, the designer revealed his newest offering, Hortitorture, which is a contemporary womenswear collection with interwoven menswear codes. His pieces were certainly symbols of enticing grace, adorned with the flourish of dramatic sleeves, the intricate artistry of patchwork, the sculpted elegance of structured silhouettes, and the mesmerizing dance with denim. Through this grand presentation, Renz artfully blurs the boundaries between hyper-feminine and hyper-masculine elements, boldly challenging the constructs of gender in the world of fashion.
Abdul Gaffar
Proudly hailing from Iligan City, Maranao designer Abdul Gaffar embarked on his design journey at Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, where he graduated in 2015. In a pivotal moment for his career, he became one of Ternocon’s distinguished 12 finalists in 2020, where he was honored with the prestigious Chief Mentor’s Medal, personally awarded by the competition’s chief mentor, Inno Sotto.
With a cultural heritage as vibrant as his design palette, Abdul casts a radiant spotlight on his roots through his latest collection. This masterpiece harmoniously blends the grace of Filipiniana styles with the precision of tailoring aesthetics, artfully infusing elements reminiscent of the people of Mindanao. The collection becomes more of a visual symphony as locally woven treasures like jusi and piña intertwine with suiting materials, creating a contemporary layer of elegance. Drawing inspiration from Maranao intricate motifs like langkit, okir, landap, and malong, Gaffar’s pieces unfold as a vivid celebration of culture and creativity.
Rafglang by Patrick Galang
Patrick Galang lived up to his promise during our exclusive interview with him, delivering a show-stopping collection that stole the limelight. Under the Rafglang banner, the runway witnessed a triumphant fusion of artistry as he centered his vision on three pivotal pillars: reassemble, reengineer, and repurpose. The result? A jaw-dropping display of meticulously crafted pieces, each a testament to the core tenets of structure, form, construction, and function
Called No. 2, the latest creation by the Filipino designer and stylist presents a flight into the field of suiting and military aesthetics. With a deft touch, traditional men’s tailored blazers and tactical trousers were reimagined and sculpted into a striking array of functional women’s attire. Crafted from various materials, including denim, canvas, twill, wool, and leather, this collection pushed the boundaries of sartorial creativity. Without a doubt, this visual masterpiece culminated in a powerful conclusion, proving that the world of fashion is destined for new and greater heights.
Photography KIM SANTOS
